Agenda item

Presentation from Chief Constable Andy Marsh with contributions from Sean Price, Avon & Somerset Performance Manager.

·         The panel welcomed a presentation from the Chief Constable that included details of notable operational activity, an analysis of the organisation’s strengths and areas for development by the Chief Constable and the actions moving forward. There was a particular focus on the increased use of technology, body cameras and predicative analytics specifically, and the impacts these are having on targeted resource management, health and safety and increased turnaround times from the Crown Prosecution Services.  The level of savings required (£8million) was also noted.

·         The panel questioned the use of predicative analytics across the region and were advised that is being used across the Avon & Somerset area but is most advanced in Bristol on work related to child sexual exploitation.

·         The panel noted the rapid speed of ICT development and there was discussion about the future potential within the police force and adaptions for local government (e.g. social care usage). Use in the custody process was particularly identified as an area for future development and the need for funding challenges  -  to be met with cross sector/boundary solutions.

·         Discussion was had about the use of the technology to concentrate on performance issues and officer behaviour. It was advised that this is an area that the leadership team are monitoring closely.

·         The panel raised some concerns about cyber security and also the risk should equipment be used by offenders. In response it was advised that new technology is being rolled out next year with a high personal security specification to counter this potential. It was agreed by the Panel and Commissioner that an update will be provided on cyber-crime at the March meeting. It was acknowledged that cyber-crime is creating new demands upon the police.

·         Panel members thanked the Chief Constable for the success of Operation Heron in supporting business to help them-selves and specifically in the use of online reporting.

·         The panel raised the issue of new academic entry requirements for police officers. The Commissioner and Chief Constable clarified that the new university accreditation is to occur as part of ongoing training and development of new officers and is obtained during their time in the force not an accreditation required to join the force.

·         Concern was raised that not all parish councils are receiving regular police reports. The Commissioner advised that all PACTs and Neighbourhood forums should be receiving a list of incidents and regular reporting. Commissioner’s Office to investigate. It was also confirmed that there are no planned changes to relationships with Neighbourhood Watch although the Commissioner highlighted inconsistencies in interaction across the region and that is being reviewed by the PCC office.

·         Discussion was had about the need to promote the complexity of policing. Panel members reported back on their positive impression of the call centre and the citizen academy was highlighted as a good method for helping people to understand policing. Panel members requested copied of the slides and figures quoted by the Chief Constable for inclusion in relevant community publications to build public knowledge.

·         The closing of South Somerset custody suite was flagged as an area for concern and what contingency planning had been carried out.  The chief constable outlined a changing culture towards individuals coming in at appointed times which needs to be considered when prioritising spending. The centre is scheduled for closure April 2017 and police arrest vehicles will be rolled out to transport offenders to Bridgewater. The use of a ‘custody pod’ is also being considered.  It was identified by the Commissioner as a known area for concern and one they will be monitoring closely.

·         Concern was raised about funding reductions pulling local authorities away from early intervention in housing and social care and the need for early intervention. It was highlighted that working with partners is the 4^th priority in the Police and Crime Plan and thus will continue to be an area of focus.

·         The use of predicative analytics in profiling communities was raised as a concern. The Chief Constable thanked the panel for raising this and asked for assistance from councillors in reaching out into communities and also in working to encourage diverse recruitment into the police force.

·         It was requested that the slides be circulated to panel members and the statistics provided on the force ranking by the IPCC. The Chief Constable agreed to visit individual local authorities to deliver the presentation.